
An investment of $6 million was made in building the new state-of-the-art-facility that also houses Tahoe Donner Bikeworks in the summer and Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area in the winter.
Over this past spring and into early summer, improvements to enhance equestrian operations include:
60’ diameter round pen and footing in the round pen.
Varying sized boarding paddocks.
Seven tack sheds (tack sheds are in place next to the boarder paddocks).
Seven water utility pedestals with power located throughout the new campus.
Horse trailer turnaround area, which goes around the round pen.
New pad for the caretaker trailer to park. Also, the caretaker trailer now runs off of power instead of a generator.
New holding pen area for trail ride horses.
New loading area and staging area for trail rides
New area for hay
New pony station in the shade.
New pony trail.
New perimeter fencing.
New signage throughout operation.
“The paddock area is now in the shade and the boarders have their own tack sheds,” said Tahoe Donner Equestrian Center manager Krystal-Rae Mecham, who explained the entire area is now more private — a bonus to boarders. “Boarders also enjoy a proper horse trailer turnaround for easy unloading and loading of horses.”
Additionally, the new pony trail is a single loop in the shade that wraps around in approximately 10 minutes time for three loops total. The trail is longer than its predecessor and less dusty, creating a much more pleasant environment for young riders and staff. Tahoe Donner Equestrian offers pony rides to little ones as young as 2 years old.
One of the biggest advantages of all the upgrades are the utility pedestals.
“Seven water pedestals is a huge upgrade for us,” said Mecham. “Now we have water available every 30 yards.” This makes it easier, according to Mecham, for staff and boarders to keep horses hydrated.
Tahoe Donner Equestrian Center offers trail rides and pony rides by reservation every Wednesday through Sunday between 9 a.m. — 4 p.m., with the last ride leaving at 3 p.m. The facility also offers private lessons and private family dinner rides in scenic Euer Valley.
To learn more about Tahoe Donner Equestrian Center or to make a reservation for an upcoming trail ride or event, call 530-587-9470 or visit tahoedonner.com/equestrian
To see the original article in The Union newspaper, CLICK HERE.